Sports Medicine and Lameness
At Alta Equine, we provide equine athletes with top-quality care to ensure success in all disciplines.
Pre-Purchase Examinations
Pre-purchase exams are intended to assess the horse for any conditions/lamenesses that may be of issue for its prospective/future use. We are not here to pass or fail a horse but to discuss our findings in hopes of helping you make an informed and educated decision.
Pre-Lease Examination
At Alta Equine, we understand that leasing a horse can also be a significant investment. Therefore the examination process for a Pre-lease is the same as a PPE. We request previous medical records for review and may recommend radiographs or blood work based on our examination.
Performance Examination
Equine athletes are susceptible to degenerative joint stress due to the high-intensity exercise they endure during regular training and showing. At Alta Equine, our goal is to detect performance-limiting ailments before they become problematic and produce a lameness. This is why we recommend regular performance evaluation exams every 4-6 months, depending on your horse’s work level.
Lameness Examination
Lameness is defined as any alteration of gait, but can also include changes in attitude or performance, usually associated with pain. The purpose of the examination is to isolate the source of the lameness to one or more anatomic locations. It is best to have a lameness examination performed sooner rather than later to prevent further injury and potentially save time and money. Knowing the exact cause of lameness will result in a more direct treatment plan.
Horse Show Prep
As a sports medicine practice, the staff at Alta Equine are well versed in the necessary paperwork for horse shows and travel. Please take a moment to review our Horse Show Prep guide.